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It is reported that hundreds
of people with disabilities, frail and
elderly are being abused in our communities
by not only community members but in many
instances their own family members. Due to their respective challenges they are unable to protect themselves and their interests. They are being abused, neglected, financially exploited as well as thrown out of their own homes. Many people/ organisations have tried to make a positive impact in the lives of the disabled, elderly and frail in Atlantis, and although we have many success stories, the need for specialised services is increasing. Recently we were contacted by concerned community leaders and members representing this group of vulnerable people. They are desperately crying for a facility where specialised care is rendered in a professional manner. |
Over the past few years, the communities of Atlantis, Pella, Mamre, Philladelphia and surrounds became more and more aware of the enormous need for specialised care for the disabled as well as elderly people, who cannot financially afford to be placed into old age homes and existing frail care centres based in the Peninsula. The existing facilities are no longer capable to sufficiently and effectively provide for this growing specialised field of expertise.
During 2007, one of the existing group homes was renovated and partially adapted to serve the needs of people in need of special care. This home has space for twelve residents. Unfortunately, their “semi frail care” needs have grown to such an extent that Orion has no alternative but to expand its services into fully fledged specialised care.
Various community role players approached the organisation to take on the challenge to establish such a facility, based on:
- no other alternative and affordable
accommodation available; and
- people living with disabilities under
the age of 60 years, even in great need
of specialised care, are excluded from
being accepted into old age homes,
leaving families and similar
organisations such as Orion, destitute
for help with correct placement and
care.
Our objective/vision with this project:
Orion wants to raise the bar, and set the trend in creating a human habitat for people in need of specialised, long term care, where:
- Functionality and quality of life can
be optimally preserved, instead of
managing decline.
- The frail elderly and disabled can
live in a healthy, homely atmosphere.
- Physical and mental deterioration are
prevented as far as possible.
- The focus is on wellness and
wellbeing.
- Those in our care are protected
against boredom, helplessness,
loneliness, segregation and victimisation.
- They can spontaneously interact with
children, other adults and pets.
- They can engage in meaningful
activities, e.g. art, gardening and
assisting each other.
- It does not create a feeling of “hospitalisation”, but instead, passionate special care.
- Via following a holistic approach, the
mind, body and spirit are stimulated to
stay active for as long as possible.
- Strategic partnerships with and the
support of key role-players, e.g.
government, medical profession, donors
and community leaders, as well as
professional institutes such as Geratec.
- Care workers from the community who
are passionate, willing and able to be
trained to assist people in need of specialised care.
- Care workers who will treat those who
count on our help with utmost respect
and an understanding of their physical
and emotional needs.
- Sufficient funding for erecting a
Wellness Home on the premises of Orion,
as well as funding for operational
costs.
- Formal registration / licensing.
